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The manufacturer is compelling interested customers to order any personally configured MY17 Commodores between now and April. It says "all vehicles ordered after that being subject to availability." The end does indeed feel nigh when you hear it put like that.

Holden is championing its MY17 Commodores as it has every right to, trading on the nameplate's proud 38-year reputation, highlighting the cars' features, their performance and value.

There's also no harm pointing out the availability of V8-powered, rear-wheel drive Commodores with manual gearboxes for 2017. Will we ever see Holden offering such a vehicle again? Will we ever see any car brand honouring this desirable formula in future?

2017 Holden Commodore SS-V Redline uteHolden

As we have known for some time, the 2018 Holden Commodore will be a re-badged Opel Insignia, powered by four-cylinder engines with front-wheel-drive, plus a V6 all-wheel-drive range topper for Australia.

Back to the Aussie-built 2017 Commodores and the full range enjoy specification upgrades except for the entry-level Evoke, which retains its current price of $35,490 before on-roads for the sedan, $37,490 the Sportwagon and $33,490 the Ute.

2017 Holden Commodore interiorHolden

The SV6 models gain a head-up display, sat nav and black 18-inch wheels over the 2016 cars; Commodore SS scores the same but with 19-inch wheels, while SS-V Redlines pick up new "V' sill plates, a black grille, fender vents, mirror scalps and daytime running light surrounds and some black applique for the instrument panel and steering wheel.

The Calais V gains the likes of new 19-inch wheels, a jet black interior, new "V" sill plates and an SS-V Redline steering wheel with perforated leather; the Calais meanwhile just gets new sat nav. The Caprice V also adds the SS-V Redline steering wheel.

There are three new colours to choose from across the Commodore range, which will be great fun to proudly say when placing your order. There's Light My Fire orange, Spitfire Green and Son of a Gun Grey. Bet Opel doesn't offer those hues on its Insignia in Germany.

The Commodore range has also been simplified for 2017 to a degree.

2017 Holden Commodore SV6 SportwagonHolden

For starters you won't be able to order an SS-V model (you really wanted the Redline anyway) or a Calais Sportwagon. You also won't be able to get a manual transmission on the six-cylinder cars: the three pedals are on offer only to V8 buyers.

Exactly how well these final locally produced Commodores will sell will be interesting to watch, but expect plenty of die-hards and patriots to open their wallets before the final downing of tools.